Criminals targeting bikes in Lincoln, police say

Police are urging Lincoln residents to consider improving their shed security after an increase in break-ins to steal bikes.

The warning comes after another incident in the city, when thieves broke into a shed in a garden in Dixon Street overnight on January 23 and stole a mountain bike.

Bikes have also been stolen from Campus Way, Arthur Taylor Street and Orchard Street in the last couple of days.

Officers say there is an ongoing crime series across the city and criminals seem to be particularly focussing on the theft of bikes.

*In Lincoln alone, bicycle theft has seen around a 50% increase in the last three months, compared to the previous year.

Main hotspots for thefts are the city centre area, the university campus and the West End.

Residents are advised to consider keeping valuable bikes inside their homes, or to at least increase their shed security with better locks and shed alarms.

Insp Mark Garthwaite said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of reports of bicycles being stolen. They range in value and type from cheap ladies shopping bikes to high-end mountain bikes worth thousands of pounds.

“They have been correctly locked, but criminals are using bolt cutters to cut through them.

“Please try and use the best lock you can afford, ideally a sturdy D-lock and attach them to something fixed that is visible to passers by – ideally under CCTV cameras.

“There are also a number of security marking kits available quite cheaply that make bikes less attractive to a potential thieves.”

Police are appealing for anyone to report any suspicious activity in their roads as soon as possible.

While patrols have been increased to spot this behaviour, police are urging people with information to call on 101, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.